Peach Tree, &#39;BURPEACHTHIRTYSIX&#39;

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of peach tree ( Prunus persica ), which is denominated varietally as ‘Burpeachthirtysix’, and which produces an attractively colored yellow-fleshed, freestone peach which is mature for harvesting and shipment approximately October 11 to October 19 under the ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California.

BOTANICAL DESIGNATION

The present invention relates to a new, novel, and distinct variety of peach tree, ‘Prunus persica’.

VARIETAL DENOMINATION

‘Burpeachthirtysix’.

BACKGROUND OF THE NEW VARIETY

The present variety of peach tree resulted from an on-going program of fruit and nut tree breeding. The purpose of this program is to improve the commercial quality of deciduous fruit and nut varieties, and rootstocks, by creating and releasing promising selections of Prunus, Malus, Punica and Juglans species. To this end we make both controlled and hybrid cross pollinations each year in order to produce seedling populations from which improved progenies are evaluated and selected.

The seedling, ‘Burpeachthirtysix’ was originated by us, and selected from a population of seedlings growing in our experimental orchards which are located near. Fowler, Calif. The seedlings, grown on their own roots, were derived from a planting of open pollenated seeds derived from ‘E49.046’ (an un-named, non-patented Burchell seedling), and which is a yellow-fleshed, low acid nectarine. The pollen parent of the new variety is undetermined, but was most likely from another unknown peach inasmuch as the new variety is a peach, and not a nectarine. Fruit was collected and seeds were extracted from peach tree ‘E49.046’ in July of 2001. After a period of stratification, the derived seeds were placed in a greenhouse, by population, and then field planted for tree establishment, and ultimately to exhibit fruit for evaluation. One yellow fleshed peach seedling, which is the present variety, exhibited especially desirable characteristics, and was then designated as ‘M36.031’. This seedling was then marked for subsequent observation. After the 2004 fruiting season, the new variety of peach tree was selected for advanced evaluation and repropagation.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION

Asexual reproduction of this new and distinct variety of peach tree was accomplished by budding the new peach tree onto ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (un-patented). This was performed by us in our experimental orchard which is located near Fowler, Calif. Subsequent evaluations of these asexually reproduced plants have shown those asexual reproductions run true to the original tree. All characteristics of the original tree, and its fruit, were established, and appear to be transmitted through these succeeding asexual propagations.

SUMMARY OF VARIETY

‘Burpeachthirtysix’ is a new and distinct variety of peach tree, which is considered of relatively large size, and which has a vigorous growth characteristic. This new tree is also a regular and productive bearer of relatively large, firm, yellow-fleshed, low acid freestone fruit which have a very good flavor, and eating qualities. This new peach tree has a medium-low chilling requirement of approximately 375 hours, and further produces relatively uniformly sized fruit throughout the tree's canopy. In addition to the foregoing, the fruit of the new peach also appears to have good handling and shipping qualities. The ‘Burpeachthirtysix’ peach tree bears fruit which are typically ripe for commercial harvesting and shipment on approximately October 11 to October 19 under the ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California. In relative comparison to the ‘Autumn Rose’ peach tree (U.S. Pat. No. 7,990), which is the closest known variety, the new variety of peach tree bears fruit which ripen 5-7, or more days later. Further, the current variety exhibits a more rounded shape especially at the apex. Further, the current variety exhibits a higher percentage of reddish blush on the surface of the fruit. In relative comparison to the seed parent nectarine tree (‘E49.046’), the current variety is distinguished from it by being a peach.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawing, which is provided, is a color photograph of the new peach tree variety. The photograph depicts two whole mature fruit viewed from the apical and basal aspects. Additionally, one mature fruit is shown, and which is bisected transversely through the equatorial plane, and which reveals the flesh color, and stone characteristics thereof. The external coloration of the fruit as shown in the photograph is sufficiently matured for harvesting and shipment. Additionally, the photograph displays a sample vegetative shoot bearing typical leaves, and a typical stone with the flesh removed. The colors in these photographs are as nearly true as is reasonaly possible in a color representation of this type. Due to chemical development, processing and printing, the leaves and fruit depicted in these photographs may, or may not, be accurate when compared to the actual specimen. For this reason, future color references should be made to the color plates (Royal Horticultural Society, Fourth Edition, 2001) and descriptions provided, hereinafter.

NOT A COMMERCIAL WARRANTY

The following detailed description has been prepared to solely comply with the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, and does not constitute a commercial warranty, (either expressed or implied), that the present variety will in the future display all the botanical, pomological or other characteristics as set forth, hereinafter. Therefore, this disclosure may not be relied upon to support any future legal claims including, but not limited to, breach of warranty of merchantability, or fitness for any particular purpose, or non-infringement which is directed, in whole, or in part, to the present variety.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring more specifically to the pomological details of this new and distinct variety of peach tree, the following has been observed during the tenth fruiting season, and under the ecological conditions prevailing at the orchards of the assignee which are located near the town of Fowler, county of Fresno, state of Calif. All major color code designations are by reference to the R.H.S. Colour Chart (Fourth Edition, 2001) provided by The Royal Horticultural Society of Great Britain. Common color names are also occasionally used.

-   Tree:     -   -   Size.—Generally considered medium to medium-large in its             growth pattern as compared to other common commercial peach             cultivars ripening in the late season of maturity. The tree             of the present variety was pruned to a height of             approximately 270.0 cm. to about 310.0 cm. at commercial             maturity.         -   Width.—Approximately 285.0 cm.         -   Vigor.—Considered moderately vigorous. The present peach             tree variety grew from about 170.0 cm. to about 180.0 cm. in             height during the first growing season. The new variety was             pruned to a height of approximately 150.0 cm. during the             first dormant season, and primary scaffolds were then             selected for the desired tree structure.         -   Productivity.—Productive. Fruit set varies from more than             the desired crop load, to levels higher than desired             amounts, when the new variety is grown in a suitable             horticultural zone, and under appropriate commercial nursery             conditions. The fruit set is spaced by thinning to develop             the remaining fruit into the desired market-sized fruit. The             number of the fruit set varies with the prevailing climatic             conditions, and the cultural practices employed.         -   Fruit bearing.—Regular. Fruit set has been more than             adequate during the previous years of observation, and             thinning was necessary during the past 10 years on both the             original seedling and on subsequent asexually reproduced             trees.         -   Tree form.—Upright, and pruned into a vase shape.         -   Density.—Considered moderately dense. It has been discovered             that pruning the branches from the center of the tree to             obtain a resulting vase shape allows for enhanced air             movement and appropriate amounts of sunlight to improve             fruit color, and renewal of fruiting wood throughout the             tree.         -   Hardiness.—The present tree was grown and evaluated in USDA             Hardiness Zone 9. The calculated winter chilling             requirements of the new tree is approximately 375 hours at a             temperature below 7.0 degrees C. The present variety appears             to be hardy under typical central San Joaquin Valley             climatic conditions. -   Trunk:     -   -   Diameter.—Approximately 18.5 cm in diameter when measured             ata distance of approximately 15.24 cm. above the soil             level. This measurement was taken at the end of the 10th             growing season.         -   Bark texture.—Considered moderately rough, with folds of             papery scarfskin being present. Since bark development and             coloration change with advancing tree age this             characteristic varies with the tree vigor, age and regional             conditions. Therefore, this is not a dependable descriptor             of the new variety.         -   Lenticels.—Numerous flat, oval lenticels are present. The             lenticels range in size from approximately 4.0 mm. to about             7.0 mm. in width, and between about 1.0 and about 2.0 mm. in             height. The development and size of the trunk lenticels can             be influenced, to some degree, by the ambient growing             conditions, and are not, necessarily, a dependable             characteristic of this variety. As trees of this variety             mature, lenticels are present, but they are generally             covered by increasing layers of cork (mature bark) and             therefore become less apparent.         -   Lenticel color.—Considered an orange brown, (RHS             Greyed-Orange Group 164 B).         -   Bark coloration.—Variable, but it is generally considered to             be a greyed brown, (RHS Grey-Brown Group N199 B). This bark             description was taken from trees in their seventh leaf which             have ruptured the scarf skin, and which also have developed             bark furrowing which is much more typical of the bark of             older trees. It should be noted that the coloration of the             bark is influenced, and varies, as the smoother, darker             background color approaches other bark features such as the             lenticels, and the initial fissures which form a feature of             the scarf skin development. -   Branches:     -   -   Size.—Considered medium large for the variety.         -   Diameter.—Average as compared to other peach varieties. The             branches have a diameter of about 13.0 cm. when measured             during the 10th year after grafting.         -   Surface texture.—Average, and appearing furrowed on wood             which is several years old.         -   Crotch angles.—Primary branches are considered variable, and             are usually growing at an angle of about 43 to about 55             degrees when measured from a horizontal plane. This             characteristic can be influenced, to some degree, by tree             vigor, rootstock and other cultural conditions.         -   Current season shoots.—Surface texture—Substantially             glabrous.         -   Internode length.—Approximately 2.4 cm.         -   Color of mature branches.—Approximately Grey brown, (RHS             Greyed-Orange Group 166 C).         -   Current season's shoots.—Color.—Medium-light green, (RHS             Yellow-Green Group 146 C). The color of new shoot tips is             considered a bright and shiny green (RHS Yellow-Green Group             146 D). The vegetative shoot color can be significantly             influenced by plant nutrition, irrigation practices, and             exposure to sunlight, and therefore should not be considered             a consistent botanical characteristic of this new variety. -   Leaves:     -   -   Size.—Considered medium for the species. Leaf measurements             have been taken from vigorous, upright, current-season             growth, at approximately mid-shoot. It should be understood             that the leaf size is often influenced by prevailing growing             conditions, quality of sunlight, and the location of the             leaf within the tree canopy. For this reason, leaf sizes can             vary significantly based upon the ambient and other cultural             factors listed above, and are not typically considered a             dependable botanical descriptor.         -   Leaf length.—Approximately 153.0 to about 160.0 mm.         -   Leaf width.—Approximately 32.0 to about 35.0 mm.         -   Leaf base-shape.—The leaves generally exhibit equal marginal             symmetry relative to the leaf longitudinal axis.         -   Leaf form.—Lanceolate.         -   Leaf tip form.—Acuminate.         -   Leaf color.—Upper Leaf Surface—Dark yellow-green,             (approximately RHS Yellow-Green Group 147 A).         -   Leaf texture.—Glabrous.         -   Leaf color.—Lower Leaf Surface—light to medium green,             (approximately RHS Yellow-Green Group 147 B).         -   Leaf venation.—Pinnately veined.         -   Mid-vein.—Color—Considered a light yellow, (approximately             RHS Greyed-Yellow Group 160 C) in the early to mid-period of             the growing season.         -   Leaf margins.—Gently undulating. Form.—Considered finely             crenate. Uniformity.—Considered generally uniform.         -   Leaf petioles.—Form.—Considered canaliculated, and having a             more pronounced trough when viewed from the dorsal aspect.             The petiole margin is considered rounded when viewed from             the ventral aspect. Size.—Considered medium-small for the             species. Length.—About 7.0 to about 10.0 mm. Diameter.—About             1.5 to about 2.0 mm. Color.—Light yellow-green,             (approximately RHS Yellow-Green Group 145 A).         -   Leaf glands.—Size. — Considered small for the species;             approximately 1.5 mm. in length; and about 1.0 mm. in             height. Number. — Generally one, and less common, two glands             appear per marginal side are found. Observations of more             than two glands per marginal side are very uncommon. Type. —             Glands located at the base of the leaf are predominantly             reniform in shape. An additional one to two, or occasionally             more glands, which appear globose, and stalked, are often             present at the basal margin of the leaf petiole as well.             Color. — Considered a medium-dark brown, approximately (RHS             Grey-Brown Group N199 B). Typically the coloration of the             respective glands darken, and occasionally begins to             desiccate during, and thereafter, the mid-late growing             season.         -   Leaf stipules.—Size. — Medium-large for this variety.             Number. — Typically 2 per leaf bud, and up to 6 per shoot             tip. Form. — Lanceolate in form, and having a serrated             marginal edge. Color. — Green, (approximately RHS Green             Group 139 B) when young, but graduating to a brown color,             (approximately RHS Greyed-Orange Group 165 A) with advancing             senescence. The leaf stipules are generally considered to be             early deciduous. -   Flower buds:     -   -   Hardiness.—No winter injury (bud death) has been noted             during the last several years of observation in the central             San Joaquin Valley. The new variety of peach tree has not             been intentionally subjected to drought, cold or heat             stress, and therefore this information is not available.         -   Flower bud.—Size—Variable, and dependent on the state of             maturity. The flower buds as described were observed             approximately 7 days prior to bloom.         -   Flower bud.—Length—Approximately 16.5 mm.         -   Flower bud.—Diameter—Approximately 9.5 mm.         -   Flower bud surface texture.—Pubescent.         -   Flower bud orientation.—Considered appressed, but appear             less so as the blossoms near opening.         -   Bud scale color.—Approximately RHS Greyed-Purple 185 C. -   Flowers:     -   -   Date of first bloom.—Observed on Feb. 15, 2014.         -   Blooming time.—Considered average in relative comparison to             other commercial peach cultivars grown in the central San             Joaquin Valley. The date of full bloom was observed on Feb.             20, 2014. The date of full bloom varies slightly with             climatic conditions, and prevailing cultural practices.         -   Duration of bloom.—Approximately 8 or more days. This             particular characteristic varies slightly with the             prevailing climatic conditions.         -   Flower class.—Considered a perfect flower, complete and             perigynous.         -   Flower type.—The variety is considered to have a showy type             flower.         -   Flower size.—Considered medium-large. The flower diameter at             full bloom, is approximately 37.0 to 40.0 mm.         -   Bloom quantity.—Considered abundant.         -   Flower bud frequency.—Generally two flower buds appear per             node, occasionally one flower bud per node is observed.         -   Petal size.—Generally considered large for the species.             Petal Length. — Approximately 23.0 to 25.0 mm. Petal Width.             — Approximately 17.0 to 19.0 mm.         -   Petal form.—Considered broadly ovate.         -   Petal count.—Nearly always 5.         -   Petal texture.—Glabrous.         -   Petal color.—Considered a light pink at the popcorn stage,             (RHS Red-Purple Group 65 D), and darkening with advancing             senescence, and the exposure to sunlight to a medium-dark             pink, (RHS Red-Purple 63 D).         -   Fragrance.—Slight.         -   Petal claw.—Form. — The claw is considered ovate, and is             generally medium-small and more elongated and relatively             more narrow when compared to other varieties. Length. —             Approximately 7.0 to 9.0 mm. Width. — Approximately 4.5 to             6.0 mm.         -   Petal margins.—Generally considered variable, from nearly             smooth to moderately undulate and ruffled, especially             apically.         -   Petal apex.—Often the petal margin exhibits a shallow, and             wide recess at the tip. Width. — Approximately 2.5 to             4.0 mm. Depth. — 1.0 to 2.0 mm.         -   Flower pedicel.—Length. — Considered medium-long and having             an approximate length of about 1.5 to about 2.0 mm.             Diameter. — Approximately 1.5 mm. Color. — A medium brown,             approximately (RHS Grey-Brown Group N199 D). This color             depends, to some degree, on the pedicel and fruit maturity,             and the timing of the visual observation. Surface Texture. —             Glabrous.         -   Floral nectaries.—Color. — Considered a deep orange,             (approximately RHS Greyed-Orange Group N167 B).         -   Calyx.—Surface Texture. — Generally glabrous. Color. — A             dull orange red, (approximately RHS Greyed-Orange Group N167             B).         -   Sepals.—Surface Texture. — The surface has a short, fine,             and pubescent texture. Numbers. — 5 sepals Size. — Average             for the variety. Sepal Length. — Approximately 4.0 to             6.0 mm. Sepal Width. — Approximately 4.0 to 6.0 mm. Sepal             Shape. — Generally obovate. Sepal Margin. — Considered             smooth and entire. Sepal Color. — A dull red, (approximately             RHS Greyed-Red Group 178 B).         -   Anthers.—Generally. — Average in size. Color. — Orange when             viewed dorsally and prior to dehiscence, (approximately RHS             Greyed-Orange Group 168 B).         -   Pollen production.—Pollen is abundant and has a yellow             color, (approximately RHS Yellow-Orange Group 21 B).         -   Fertility.—Self-fertile.         -   Filaments.—Size. — Approximately 12.5 to 15.0 mm. in length.             Color. — Considered white to a pinkish-white, (RHS Red             Purple Group 65 D).         -   Pistil.—Number. — Usually one, and only rarely more than             one. Generally. — Large in size. Length. — Approximately             19.0 to about 21.0 mm. in length including the ovary. Color.             — Considered a very pale green, (approximately RHS             Yellow-Green Group 154 D). Surface Texture. — The variety             has a long pubescent pistil. -   Fruit:     -   -   Maturity when described.—Firm ripe condition (shipping             ripe).         -   Date of first picking.—Approximately Oct. 12, 2014.         -   Date of last picking.—Oct. 19, 2014. The date of harvest can             vary with the prevailing climatic conditions, crop loads and             the current climatic and cultural practices.         -   Size.—Generally — Considered large, and very uniform.         -   Average cheek diameter.—Approximately 72.0 to about 79.0 mm.         -   Average axial diameter.—Approximately 73.0 to about 78.0 mm.         -   Typical weight.—Approximately 275.0 grams. The             characteristics are quite dependent upon the prevailing             cultural practices, growing conditions and therefore is not             particularly distinctive of the new variety.         -   Fruit form.—Generally—Considered globose. The fruit is             generally very uniform in symmetry.         -   Fruit suture.—No stitching exists along the suture line.         -   Suture.—Color—Generally, the fruit appears blushed to the             same degree as the skin, (approximately RHS Orange-Red Group             N34 A).         -   Ventral surface.—Form—Considered even, and uniform in             appearance, when it is viewed from the lateral, sutural             plane.         -   Apex.—Shape—Rounded to slightly retuse.         -   Base.—Shape—Generally smooth.         -   Stem cavity.—Generally—The stem cavity extends in a rounded             circular form which is generally considered uniform. The             stem cavity is rounded but slightly extends toward the             suture. The average depth of the stem cavity is about             8.0-10.0 mm. The average width of the stem cavity is about             30.0 mm. The average length of the stem cavity, when             measured in the suturial plane. is about 55.0 mm.         -   Fruit skin.—Thickness. — Considered medium in thickness, and             tenacious to the flesh. Surface Texture. — Short, fine and             pubescent. The pubescence is moderately abundant. Taste. —             Non-astringent. Tendency to crack. — Not observed in the             previous years of observation and evaluation.         -   Fruit skin color.—Blush Color. — Generally speaking, a red             blush exists on a majority of the skin of the fruit             (approximately RHS Orange-Red Group N34 A), and is more             typically present on the portions of the fruit facing the             sunlight. The blush of the fruit typically covers             approximately 65%-85% of the fruit skin surface. The             percentage of the blush on the fruit skin surface can vary,             and is generally dependent upon the fruit's exposure to             direct sunlight; specific fruit maturity; and also the             prevailing ecological and cultural conditions under which             the fruit was grown.         -   Ground color.—A medium light yellow, (approximately RHS             Yellow Group 10 A). The ground color of the fruit can vary             significantly based upon the maturity of the fruit when this             measurement is taken, and generally gains a lighter and less             green cast with higher maturity.         -   Fruit stem.—Size. — Medium in length, approximately 6.0 to             about 8.0 mm. Diameter. — Approximately 2.0 to about 3.0 mm.             Color. — Pale yellow-green, (approximately RHS Yellow-Green             Group N144 C).         -   Fruit flesh.—Ripening. — Considered even. Texture. — Firm,             crunchy, juicy and dense. Considered firm yet non-melting.             Fibers. — Present but not prominent. Aroma. — Slight. Eating             Quality. — Considered very good. Flavor. — Considered             balanced with both sweetness and acidity. Juice Production.             — Moderate. Brix. —0 About 15.0 to 18.0 degrees. This             characteristic varies slightly with the number of fruit per             tree; the maturity of fruit when harvested; the prevailing             cultural practices; and the ambient climatic conditions.             Acidity. — Considered low. Approximately 0.3 titratible             acidity is typically detected. Acid levels assayed from             fruit flesh can vary with fruit maturity, sunlight exposure,             climatic, regional and cultural influences. Flesh Color. —             Yellow, (approximately RHS Yellow Group 13 C), and often             exhibiting pigmentation of red radiating from the stone             (approximately RHS Greyed-Red Group 179 A). -   Stone:     -   -   Type.—Considered a freestone.         -   Size.—It is generally considered to be medium for the             variety. The stone size varies significantly depending upon             the tree vigor, the crop load, and the prevailing growing             and cultural conditions under which the tree was grown.         -   Length.—Average, about 29.0 to about 31.0 mm.         -   Width.—Average, about 22.0 to about 26.0 mm.         -   Diameter.—Average, about 18.0 to about 20.0 mm.         -   Form.—Roughly ovoid.         -   Stone base.—Shape—The stone is considered shortly attenuate.         -   Apex.—Shape—The stone exhibits a slight to prominently acute             apex.         -   Stone surface.—Surface Texture. — Considered irregularly             furrowed toward the apex. Further, more pitting exists in             the mid-portion of the stone (laterally), and is more common             toward the base. Ridges. — Ridging is generally more             prominent, and is usually oriented parallel, and laterally             relative at the ventral and dorsal margins. Ventral Edge. —             The ventral edge is generally considered troughed with three             substantial grooves that converge apically. Dorsal Edge. —             Shape — Generally considered even. The folds of the surface             ridges appearing on the external margins often end gently             along the suture.         -   Stone color.—The color of a mature, dry stone is generally             considered a dull brown, approximately (RHS Greyed-Orange             Group 177 A).         -   Tendency to split.—Splitting has rarely been noted.         -   Kernel.—Length. — Approximately 19.0-21.0 mm. Width. —             Approximately 13.0-15.0 mm. Thickness. — 5.0-6.0 mm. Size. —             The kernel is considered medium in size. Form. — Considered             generally ovoid. Pellicle. — Slightly pubescent. Color. — A             dark tan (RHS Greyed-Orange Group 165 B).         -   Use.—The new variety ‘Burpeachthirtysix’ is considered to be             a peach tree of the late season of maturity, and which             produces fruit which are considered to be firm, attractively             colored, and which are useful for both local and long             distance shipping.         -   Keeping quality.—Appears excellent. The fruit of the present             variety has stored well for periods of up to 35 days after             harvest at 1.0 degree Celsius.         -   Shipping quality.—Good. The fruit of the new peach tree             variety showed minimal bruising of the flesh or skin damage             after being subjected to normal harvesting and packing             procedures.         -   Resistance to insects and disease.—No particular             susceptibilities were noted. The present variety has not             been intentionally tested to expose or detect any             susceptibilities or resistances to any known plant, fruit             diseases, insect, frost, winter injury or other             environmental factors.

Although the new variety of peach tree possesses the described characteristics when grown under the ecological conditions prevailing near Fowler, Calif., in the central part of the San Joaquin Valley of California, it should be understood that variations of the usual magnitude, and characteristics incident to changes in growing conditions, fertilization, nutrition, pruning, pest control, frost, climatic variables and changes in horticultural management are to be expected. 

Having thus described and illustrated our new variety of peach tree, what we claim is new, and desire to secure by Plant Letters Patent is:
 1. A new distinct variety of peach tree, substantially as illustrated and described, and which is characterized principally as to novelty by producing an attractively colored yellow-fleshed, freestone peach which is mature for harvesting and shipment approximately October 11 to October 19 under the ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California. 